United Kingdom to pursue plain packaging of cigarettes

Quit has welcomed news that the British government is moving towards introducing the plain packaging of cigarettes, following the lead of the Australian government.

Quit Executive Director Fiona Sharkie said the fact that the British government would start consultation on the tobacco reform showed momentum was building worldwide for plain packaging.

"This is exactly why the tobacco companies have been screaming so loud in Australia to have this reform thrown out. They knew once one country acted, more would follow."

"Research shows packaging cigarettes in unbranded, generic packets with health warnings will make them less attractive, especially to young people. Research shows teenagers believe the cigarettes will taste worse as well."

Ms Sharkie said the announcement showed the campaign run by the tobacco-funded front group the ‘Alliance of Australian Retailers' could not be trusted.

"In the ads the ‘alliance' try to create doubt around plain packaging by saying it ‘was rejected in the United Kingdom. ' A costly, extensive consultation on the issue doesn't look like rejection to me."

"Big tobacco is running scared of plain packaging because they know it will impact on their profits. Plain packaging will stop the tobacco industry from using cigarette packs to recruit new smokers and promote their deadly and addictive products."

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